Brazilian literature: an outline, by Erico Verissimo. (New York: Macmillan, 1945. Pp. 184. $2.00)

Abstract

Although the majority of the poems included are anonymous, a few are by known poets whose verses appealed to the popular sensibility, going from newspaper or book into the memory of the people. ' Practically all the high points of Brazilian history are represented by at least one poem; to mention a few: the Dutch invasion, the restoration, the Palmares republic, criticism of the colonial governors, droughts in the northeast, the coming of the royal family, independence, empire, regency, Peter the Second, the Paraguayan war and World War I. Each poem is accompanied by well documented explanatory notes of the author who carefully quotes his sources and appends a very helpful bibliography. After closing this book we find ourselves in agreement with Mr. Calmon that this important source of information, the poetry of the people, has been neglected by the historians of Brazil to the detriment of her history.